How do you know when it's the right time to hire your first employee?

I had this same problem and I solved it in a very easy going and smart way, I hired a summer student. He isn't out working on his own yet, he is more of a my helper. He will get tools from the truck, clean up a job site, hold a ladder, etc. Its giving me the experience having someone working for me and seeing how it feels before I hire someone who is dependant on me to make a living. I am slowly seeing what I can trust someone to do on their own or with me.

It is making my stops a lot faster and more efficient and allowing me to take on more work in a day. That is what we all want isn't it???